Culligan-owned Quench has acquired point-of-use (POU) water systems company, Blue Caffe, for an undisclosed sum. Founded in 2002, Blue Caffe is a supplier of POU water systems and coffee services located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. According to Quench, the acquisition of Blue Caffe – which has been described as a multi-city Wellsys dealer – will enhance the company’s footprint across the state. Ryan Hartley, VP of corporate development for Quench, said: “This is our third acquisition already in 2022 and is another example of our ongoing commitment to providing exit opportunities for POU dealers whenever they are ready”. Brad Kelley, Blue Caffe’s owner, added: “Quench has been a trusted partner of Blue Caffe, with their extensive product line and strategic nationwide resources I know that the synergies of products and staff will significantly enhance opportunities to serve our customers in an even better capacity”. This year, Quench has already acquired two other water solutions companies, Pure Aqua Tech of Michigan and Waterfresh. #BlueCaffe #Quench #US

French foodservice firm Sodexo has appointed its chairman Sophie Bellon as the company’s CEO, a position she has held on an interim basis since 1 October 2021. Bellon first joined Sodexo in 1994 and has held various leadership roles within the company, including CEO of the corporate services business unit for Sodexo France. Sophie Bellon According to Sodexo’s board of directors, Bellon’s “in-depth knowledge of the activities of the group” was considered to be a major asset. Bellon said: “I will continue to rely on the skills and diversity of the members of the board, as well as the commitment and expertise of the executive committee and our teams to accelerate Sodexo’s transformation and strengthen its competitiveness. The principles that will guide my actions will be loyalty to Sodexo’s values, entrepreneurial spirit, as well as efficiency and speed of execution. More than ever, I am committed to reinvigorating Sodexo’s growth path, which has been part of the group’s DNA since its creation.” Headquartered in Paris, Sodexo offers end-to-end services to businesses and the public sector, including food services and catering, vending machines, micro markets and more. #Appointments #foodservice #Sodexo

US holding company Golden Grail Technology has announced the acquisition of Tickle Water, a flavoured sparkling water brand aimed at children. Founded in 2016, Tickle Water offers natural, flavoured sparkling water that is free of preservatives, artificial sweeteners, sodium, calories, GMOs, gluten and sugar, while also being certified OU Kosher. The brand’s line-up includes orange mango, green apple, watermelon, grape and natural sparkling water. Golden Grail’s chief marketing consultant, Erin Heit, said: “Tickle Water is the fourth and latest addition to our rapidly growing and already robust beverage portfolio of functional healthy brands. We are excited about Tickle Water, which adds another premium beverage offering to a new demographic, children.” She continued: “In addition to our plans for re-launching the thousands of established retailers that previously carried Tickle Water, Golden Grail plans to market Tickle Water responsibly to tweens”. Terms of the deal have not been disclosed. #GoldenGrailTechnology #TickleWater #US

Azkoyen Group has completed its Vitro coffee machine range with the launch of a new compact automatic coffee machine with fresh milk, called the Vitro S1 MIA. The Vitro S1, which features an automatic cleaning process for the fresh milk system, includes a micro-injection air technology, allowing consumers to prepare a wide range of drinks, such as cappuccinos and latte macchiatos. The coffee machine allows the “density and consistency” of the foam, and hot and cold temperatures to be programmed. According to Azkoyen Group, the Vitro S1 is perfect for convenience stores, petrol stations, hotels and restaurants, with consumption of up to 80 cups per day. The new technology is also ideal for offices with up to 40 people. #AzkoyenGroup #coffeemachine

Cleaning equipment supplier Kärcher has become the “lead investor” in Mysoda, taking a stake in the Finnish company, which manufactures sparkling water makers for the consumer market. Mysoda makes its sparkling water machines from a wood-based and renewable material, and uses no fossil plastic in production. The company also manufactures flavour concentrates and CO2 cylinders to go with its machines. Mysoda CEO, David Solomon, said: “Kärcher shares our conviction of putting sustainability first, and I get really excited thinking about our cooperation and opportunities. They have decades of experience in sustainability, brand building, marketing and expanding to new markets.” He continued: “After all the start-up pains, it also feels really good to make the move from an underfunded start-up to a well-capitalised growth company. We compete with bigger companies, and thanks to this substantial minority investment, now we have the resources to stand our ground.” Headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, Mysoda sells its products in a large number of markets, including the UK, the Netherlands, France, Germany, Austria and Italy. #Kärcher #MySoda #sparklingwatermaker

UK functional tea brand Kaytea has released an organic cold brew iced tea that is inspired by the flavours of rosé wine. The beverage, named Sparkling Rosay, features “a subtle fizz and hints of pink guava that morph into well-balanced notes of roses”. The release is made from natural, vegan-friendly ingredients and contains 94% rose tea infusion, as well as concentrated sweet potato, radish, apple and cherry. The drink is both caffeine and alcohol-free but can work as either an alcohol alternative or a botanical mixer. Sparkling Rosay Organic Cold Brew Tea is available for an RRP of £29.99 for 24 bottles on the brand’s website. #Kaytea #UK

US energy drink brand Zoa, which is owned by Molson Coors , has added two new flavours to its portfolio: white peach and tropical punch. The carbonated beverage flavours feature zero sugar, antioxidants, a blend of vitamins, and natural caffeine from green tea and green coffee. Zoa beverages also contain turmeric, camu camu, which includes 100% of the daily value of vitamin C, as well as B vitamins. “We’ve always been mindful about what we put into our bodies and constantly fine tune what will maximise our performance, not only in the gym but in all aspects of life,” said Zoa founder, Dwayne Johnson. “Creating a better-for-you energy drink that consists of powerful ingredients with essential vitamins and natural caffeine was deeply important to us – and we’ve dedicated our time and passion to making it happen.” The new variants join Zoa’s other flavours, including original, super berry, lemon lime, wild orange and pineapple coconut. Zoa can be found at Speedway, Circle K, EG America and many other stores in the US. RRP $29.98 for a 12-pack. #MolsonCoorsBeverageCompany #MolsonCoors #US #energydrinks #Zoa #flavours

Swiss vending and automation company, Invenda Group, has raised CHF 7 million (approx. $7.59 million) in a funding round, which will support growth in sales and development. Available in 14 countries, Invenda develops software and hardware for vending machines, smart kiosks and digital signage. The funding round was led by former Emmi CEO Walter Huber and financial specialist Gregor Greber. Invenda says the funding will bolster confidence among core investors in both its corporate culture and global expansion plans. “Our goal was to collect 3 million francs by the end of 2021, but now the amount is more than double,” said Invenda’s founder and CEO Jon Brezinski. “We are changing the way customers are engaged, creating smarter ways to manage inventory and maintenance, and using our imaginations to expand the entire industry.” #Emmi #Invenda #Switzerland